Sen. Gary Dahms

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts property owned and operated by congressionally chartered veterans service organizations (like the American Legion or VFW chapters) from Minnesota's standard property tax classification. It removes these properties from taxable categories and establishes a direct exemption, requiring organizations to file applications with county assessors by August 1, 2025, and the Veterans Affairs commissioner to provide a qualifying organization list to tax authorities by July 1, 2025. The exemption applies only to the 2025 property tax assessment year. This change directly affects eligible veterans service organizations by reducing their property tax burden for one year.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's licensing standards for child care centers by updating requirements for staff qualifications, ratios, and group sizes. It establishes specific education and experience options for directors (e.g., 24 quarter credits for some credentials), requires all staff to be at least 16 years old, and mandates that substitutes and unsupervised volunteers complete training and background checks. The bill repeals existing Minnesota Rules about staff ratios and group size standards while preserving the core structure for child care center operations. These changes directly affect licensed child care centers, their directors, and all staff members providing direct care to children.

Maddy summarySF 1516 appropriates $4,388,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $4,434,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute. This funding supports the Institute's existing duties under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116V, which focus on agricultural research and development. The bill directly affects the Institute by providing dedicated funding for its operations but does not change existing policies or create new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $4.5 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund grants for Minnesota gas stations (retail petroleum dispensers) to upgrade equipment for dispensing E25 biofuel blends. Eligible stations must be located in Minnesota, have no more than 15 dispensing sites, and use grants to replace non-certified equipment. Grants cannot exceed $200,000 per station, with unused 2026 funds carrying over to 2027, and the annual appropriation reducing to $3 million after 2027. The Agriculture Commissioner must annually report on grant usage, including project types, geographic distribution, and support for minority/female-owned businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $200 million from state bonds to fund the University of Minnesota's Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement (HEAPR) program. The funds will be used by the University of Minnesota Board of Regents to preserve and replace campus infrastructure, such as buildings and equipment. The bill authorizes the state to sell bonds up to $200 million to cover this appropriation, as specified in Minnesota law. It directly affects the University of Minnesota's capital planning and infrastructure management.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases funding for Minnesota school districts' career and technical education (CTE) programs. It raises the revenue percentage from 35% to 50% of eligible program costs (like instructor salaries, supplies, and professional development) and sets an annual appropriation of $46.46 million starting in fiscal year 2026. The bill also guarantees districts won't receive less funding than the previous year for CTE programs. These changes directly affect school districts operating approved CTE programs by increasing their state funding and ensuring stable revenue. The policy changes take effect for fiscal year 2026 and later.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $7,039,000 from state bond proceeds to fund water infrastructure improvements in the City of Ghent. It directly affects Ghent residents by financing the expansion and rehabilitation of sanitary ponds ($5,084,000) to address water quality and capacity issues, and construction of a new water tower with clean drinking water infrastructure ($1,955,000) to improve water pressure and meet regional requirements. The funds will be raised through the sale of state bonds, as authorized under Minnesota law. The project aims to resolve inflow/infiltration problems and capacity limits caused by population growth.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Minnesota to issue up to $20 million in state bonds to fund the University of Minnesota's FAARM program in Mower County. The funds will cover planning, design, land acquisition, and initial site preparation for new research facilities focused on agricultural innovation. The state appropriation covers approximately two-thirds of the project's initial phase costs, with the university responsible for the remaining portion. The bill directly affects the University of Minnesota (specifically the FAARM program) and Mower County residents through the development of new agricultural research infrastructure.

Maddy summarySF 1270 appropriates $12 million from state bond proceeds to fund the design, construction, and replacement of aging water distribution, storm sewer, and street infrastructure in the City of Tracy. The bill authorizes the state to sell bonds up to $12 million to provide this funding, following Minnesota's bond sale statutes. This direct funding targets Tracy's municipal infrastructure needs, specifically addressing failing systems and street reconstruction. The appropriation is intended for the city to complete these public works projects.

Maddy summarySF 1398 adds certain water and sewer districts to the legal definition of "municipality" in Minnesota law, specifically those formed under Chapter 116A. This change directly affects these districts by subjecting them to the same legal standards as cities and counties for tort liability (legal responsibility for damages). The bill amends Minnesota Statutes § 466.01 to include these districts in the definition and sets a maximum limit for their tort liability. The law takes effect August 1, 2025, applying to claims arising after that date.